MA’s bad breath rapist caught after nearly 2 decades on the run

“Despite a 15-year relationship in California, his partner did not know who he really was,” the police report said.

May 29, 2024, 9:11 a.m. EDT | Updated May 29, 2024, 9:22 a.m. EDT

MASSACHUSETTS — Nearly two decades after the Massachusetts “Bad Breath Rapist” — identified by his DNA and foul breath — was found guilty of raping a co-worker at knifepoint, he has been caught by a manhunt, state police said late Tuesday.

The man, Tuen Lee, was on trial in Quincy for the burglary and rape in February 2005. But by the time the jury found him guilty on all counts, Lee had already left the state, according to police.

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“For years, the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section’s Metro Team and Quincy PD investigators spent hundreds of hours trying to track down Lee,” Massachusetts State Police said. “After multiple media campaigns, including multiple appearances on America’s Most Wanted, in early 2024, investigators had the break they needed in a case that had seemingly stalled.”

After receiving new information that “completely clarified the case,” including pictures of Lee on social media, police said they set up surveillance on Tuesday at a multi-million dollar home in Diablo, California, owned by a flower shop owner.

After observing a man and woman leave the house and get into a car, police conducted a traffic stop. Lee initially gave a false name but “eventually confessed when asked his true identity,” which was confirmed by fingerprints, police said.

“Despite a 15-year relationship in California, his partner did not know who he really was,” the police report said.

Lee was taken to the Danville Police Department for registration and will be held there pending his extradition to Massachusetts.